This is a real piece of mechanical history. At the Milliken Museum in Los Banos this old free standing Victrolla phonograph stands against the back wall. These were very interesting machines and were among the first to play the disc shaped records that are known today. Before this type of record player was in vogue the Edisson cylinder players which used a wax like cylinder were common.

This Vicrolla is an interesting specimen. It looks like it is still in working order. The way that these items worked is that you would crank a handle on the side. This would wind up a spring that would turn the felt covered turntable at 78 revolutions per minute (rpm). An armature that held the needle (it actually looked like a thick sewing needle would then be guided into the record groove and the vibrations would travel through the needle, up through the armature, and into the sound box. Doors on the front of the Victrola would be opened or closed to maintain volume.

You can see this and much more at the Milliken Museum in Los Banos.

The Milliken Museum in Los Banos has a number of historical items to look at. Come by and learn about our city's history!

905 Pacheco Blvd.
Los Banos Calif
(209) 826-5505

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